£7
Cheapest single-trip travel insurance for a week in Europe in 2026
40+
Travel insurers active in the UK — most comparison sites show fewer than 25
£350
Average medical claim on travel insurance — the main reason to buy cover
14M
UK adults who travel abroad annually without any insurance
4
Key policy types: single trip, annual multi-trip, backpacker, cruise

5 things travel comparison sites won't tell you

✈️
Annual vs single trip maths
If you travel more than twice a year, annual multi-trip cover almost always costs less. Run the comparison before defaulting to single trip policies.
🏥
Medical cover limit is the number that matters
The headline premium is irrelevant if the medical cover limit is too low. Always check the emergency medical limit — £2M minimum, £5M+ for long-haul travel.
📋
Pre-existing conditions must be declared
Failing to declare a medical condition invalidates your claim. Specialist sites like Insurancewith and Free Spirit cover conditions that mainstream sites won't quote.
🎿
Activity cover is usually excluded
Winter sports, scuba diving and adventure activities are excluded from standard policies. Always add the relevant activity extension or use a specialist site.
🔁
FCDO advice affects your claim
If the Foreign Office advises against travel to your destination and you go anyway, your policy may be void. Check FCDO advice before buying.
Travel Insurance Comparison Sites — Ranked UK 2026
Good
Mixed
Poor
1
Compare the Market
comparethemarket.com/travel-insurance
Widest insurer panel — best for pre-existing conditions
8.8
/ 10 overall
▼ See full breakdown
Insurers shown
50+
Pre-existing conditions
Excellent
Annual multi-trip
Full range
Price accuracy
Very good
Trustpilot
4.2 / 5
Extras coverage
Good
Widest panelPre-existing coverAnnual policiesSlightly slower UI
OverCompare verdict: Compare the Market consistently shows more travel insurers than any other UK comparison site, particularly for customers with pre-existing medical conditions. Their medical screening tool is the most thorough of the major sites. Use them first for any travel insurance comparison.
Visit Compare the Market →
2
MoneySupermarket
moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance
Fast, clean interface — great for straightforward policies
8.3
/ 10 overall
▼ See full breakdown
Insurers shown
45+
Ease of use
Excellent
Price
Very competitive
Annual multi-trip
Good range
Trustpilot
4.6 / 5
Pre-existing
Limited screening
Fastest interfaceCompetitive pricesWeaker for conditionsGood for standard trips
OverCompare verdict: MoneySupermarket has the slickest travel comparison interface and consistently competitive prices. Best for healthy travellers on standard trips. However their pre-existing condition screening is less thorough than Compare the Market — if you have anything to declare, use CTM first.
Visit MoneySupermarket →
3
GoCompare
gocompare.com/travel-insurance
Strong coverage details — good for activity and adventure travel
7.9
/ 10 overall
▼ See full breakdown
Insurers shown
40+
Activity cover
Best in class
Cover details
Very clear
Price
Competitive
Trustpilot
4.1 / 5
Backpacker
Good range
Activity cover specialistClear policy detailsFewer insurers than CTMGood for adventure trips
OverCompare verdict: GoCompare stands out for activity and adventure travel cover — they show policy activity exclusions more clearly than other major sites. If you're skiing, diving or doing anything adventurous, check GoCompare first to ensure your activity is actually covered.
Visit GoCompare →
✈️
Check if your bank account includes free travel insurance before buying
Many premium current accounts (Nationwide FlexPlus, Halifax Ultimate, Barclays Travel Pack) include annual travel insurance as a perk. Check your account benefits before buying standalone cover — you may already be covered. If you are, always check the medical limits and pre-existing condition terms carefully.
OverCompare is independent and unsponsored. We do not accept payment for rankings. Always read your full policy wording before travel. Medical limits and exclusions vary significantly between policies.